JP2023182878A - valve device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a valve device capable of suppressing increase in frictional resistance of a valve body.SOLUTION: In a valve device CV according to the present invention, a first pipe L1 as a support member is attached to the outside of a housing 1 that rotatably houses a valve body 3, a cylindrical first seal member S1 is provided so as to be able to come into sliding contact with the valve body 3 by a first spring SP1 as a biasing member supported by the first pipe L1, and on a slide contact surface S11 of the first seal member S1 with the valve body 3, a concave part S14 is formed so as to sandwich a through hole S10 at least in a rotation direction of the valve body 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a valve device.

As a conventional valve device, for example, one described in Patent Document 1 below is known.

This valve device includes a cylindrical housing provided with first and second communication passages that open at mutually different positions, and a cylindrical housing that is rotatably housed inside the housing and that opens between the first and second communication passages depending on the rotational phase. It has a valve body that changes the state of connection with the second communication path. A cylindrical pipe is connected to the second communication passage, which is the outlet side of the first and second communication passages, and an attachment supported by the pipe is connected between the pipe and the valve body. A cylindrical seal member urged toward the valve body by the biasing member is configured to be able to come into sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of the valve body.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-232454

However, according to the conventional valve device, when the biasing force of the biasing member is increased in order to improve the sealing performance of the sealing member, there is a risk that the frictional resistance of the valve body with which the sealing member slides becomes large.

The present invention was devised in view of such technical problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a valve device that can suppress an increase in frictional resistance of a valve body.

As one aspect of the present invention, the present invention includes a support member attached to the outside of a housing that rotatably accommodates a valve body, and a cylindrical seal member is activated by a biasing member supported by the support member. A recess is formed in a sliding surface of the sealing member that contacts the valve body so as to sandwich a through hole that opens to the sliding surface in the rotational direction of the valve body.

According to the present invention, increase in frictional resistance of the valve body can be suppressed.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automobile cooling water circulation circuit to which a valve device according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing another configuration of an automobile cooling water circulation circuit to which the valve device according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a valve device according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve device shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 4, showing the first embodiment of the present invention. 5 is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 4. FIG. (a) is a plan view of the sealing member shown in FIG. 6, and (b) is a sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 6 (a). A sealing member according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which (a) is a plan view of the sealing member, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in the same figure (a). . A sealing member according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which (a) is a plan view of the sealing member, and (b) is a sectional view taken along the line DD of the same figure (a). . A sealing member according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which (a) is a plan view of the sealing member, and (b) is a sectional view taken along the line EE in (a) of the same figure. A sealing member according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which (a) is a plan view of the sealing member, and (b) is a sectional view taken along the line FF in (a) of the same figure. A sealing member according to a modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which (a) is a plan view of the sealing member, and (b) is a sectional view taken along the line GG in (a) of the same figure. A sealing member according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which (a) is a plan view of the sealing member, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line HH in the same figure (a).

Hereinafter, embodiments of a valve device according to the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In the following embodiments, a valve device according to the present invention is applied to a conventional automobile cooling water (hereinafter simply referred to as "cooling water") circulation system.

(Configuration of cooling water circulation circuit)
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram showing the configuration of a cooling water circulation circuit to which a valve device CV according to the present invention is applied. Further, FIG. 2 shows a block diagram representing a modification of the circulation circuit shown in FIG. 1. In FIG.

The valve device CV is arranged on the side of the engine EG (specifically, a cylinder head not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, this valve device CV is arranged between the heater HT, oil cooler OC, and radiator RD. The heater HT is a heating heat exchanger that performs heat exchange to generate warm air for an air conditioner (not shown). The oil cooler OC cools oil for lubricating the sliding parts inside the engine EG. Radiator RD cools cooling water used to cool engine EG.

Here, the symbol WP in the figure is a water pump that circulates cooling water. Further, reference numeral WT is a water temperature sensor used to drive and control the valve device CV, and the valve device CV is drive-controlled based on the control current of the electronic controller CU in accordance with the detection result of the water temperature sensor WT. Moreover, the symbol TC is a throttle chamber that controls the flow rate of air mixed with the fuel burned inside the engine EG.

Specifically, the cooling water discharged from the water pump WP is guided to the valve device CV through the introduction passage L0. Then, the valve body 3 of the valve device CV is drive-controlled by the electronic controller CU based on the operating state of the engine EG such as the detection result by the water temperature sensor WT. Thereby, the cooling water led to the valve device CV via the introduction passage L0 is distributed to the heater HT, oil cooler OC, and radiator RD via the first to third pipes L1 to L3, respectively.

Further, the valve device CV is provided with a bypass passage BL for directly guiding the cooling water from the engine EG to the throttle chamber TC by bypassing the introduction passage L0. This bypass passage BL constantly supplies the cooling water introduced to the valve device CV via the introduction passage L0 to the throttle chamber TC.

In this way, the valve device CV is applied as a so-called 1in-3Out type distribution device, and distributes the cooling water flowing in from the introduction passage L0 to the first to third pipes L1 to L3, and also distributes the cooling water at the time of distribution. control the flow rate.

In this embodiment, the engine EG, which is an internal combustion engine, is exemplified as one aspect of the engine of the automobile. Includes any converting equipment.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram showing another configuration of the cooling water circulation circuit to which the valve device CV according to the present invention is applied.

In addition to the type shown in FIG. 1, the valve device CV can also be applied as a so-called 3-in-1-out type collection device, which is placed immediately before the water pump WP, as shown in FIG. 2, for example. That is, when used as such a collecting device, the valve device CV collects the cooling water flowing in from the first to third pipes L1 to L3, returns it to the engine EG side through the discharge passage L4, and at the same time collects the cooling water. control the flow rate of cooling water.

(Configuration of valve device)
FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the valve device CV according to the invention. In the explanation of this figure, the direction parallel to the rotation axis Z of the rotation shaft 2 is referred to as the "axial direction," the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis Z of the rotation shaft 2 is referred to as the "radial direction," and the direction around the rotation axis Z of the rotation shaft 2 is referred to as the "radial direction." The direction will be described as the "circumferential direction." Furthermore, the above-mentioned "axial direction" will be described with the upper side of FIG. 3 as "one end side" and the lower side as "the other end side".

As shown in FIG. 3, the valve device CV includes a cylindrical valve body 3 rotatably supported inside a housing 1 via a rotating shaft 2, and a cylindrical valve body 3 housed in the housing 1 to rotationally drive the valve body 3. It has an electric motor 4 and a deceleration mechanism 5 that is housed in the housing 1 and that decelerates and transmits the rotation of the electric motor 4.

The housing 1 is formed into two parts in the axial direction, and includes a first housing 11 that accommodates the valve body 3 and the electric motor 4, and a first housing 11 that is provided so as to close an opening on one end side of the first housing 11, and is provided so as to close an opening on one end side of the first housing 11. and a second housing 12 that houses the mechanism 5. The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are both molded from a synthetic resin material, such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin, and are fixed with a plurality of bolts 13.

The first housing 11 includes a hollow cylindrical valve body accommodating portion 111 that accommodates the valve body 3 and a hollow cylindrical motor that is attached in parallel with the valve body accommodating portion 111 and that accommodates the motor body 41 of the electric motor 4. It has a housing part 112. The first housing 11 is fixed to a cylinder block (not shown) via a flange portion 114 (described later) using fixing means (not shown), such as a plurality of bolts.

The valve body accommodating portion 111 is closed at one end in the axial direction by an end wall 113, and is open at the other end. A flange portion 114 for attaching the first housing 11 to a cylinder block (not shown) is provided at the other end in the axial direction of the valve body housing portion 111 so as to extend outward in the radial direction. Further, a boss portion 115 in the shape of a cylinder with a lid is formed on the end wall 113 of the valve body housing portion 111 so as to protrude toward the second housing 12 side. A shaft through hole 116 through which the rotating shaft 2 passes is formed in the end wall of the boss portion 115 . Further, a pair of flat bearing portions 117, 117 for bearing the support shafts 51, 52 of the deceleration mechanism 5 are integrally formed in the end wall 113 of the valve body housing portion 111 in an upright shape. Bearing holes 117a, 117a are formed through the pair of bearing parts 117, 117 to rotatably support the support shafts 51, 52, respectively.

Further, in the first housing 11, first to third discharge ports E1 to E3, which communicate the valve body housing part 111 and the outside of the first housing 11, are formed in the side wall (peripheral wall) of the valve body housing part 111. has been done. In addition, first to third pipes L1 to L3 connected to the heater HT, oil cooler OC, and radiator RD (see FIG. 1) are attached to the outer ends of the first to third discharge ports E1 to E3. A fourth pipe L4 connected to the throttle chamber TC (see FIG. 1) is attached to the outer end of the fourth discharge port E4. Note that the first to fourth pipes L1 to L4 are all fixed to the first housing 11 by a plurality of screws SW.

The second housing 12 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that extends over the valve body housing portion 111 and the motor housing portion 112 and opens to cover the valve body housing portion 111 and the motor housing portion 112 . The second housing 12 is attached to the first housing 11 so as to cover the valve body accommodating part 111 and the motor accommodating part 112, so that the internal space of the second housing 12 is used as a deceleration mechanism for accommodating the deceleration mechanism 5. A housing portion 121 is formed. Further, a connector connecting portion 120 for connection with an electronic controller (not shown) is integrally provided on the side of the second housing 12. is electrically connected to an electronic controller.

The electric motor 4 has a motor main body 41 housed in the motor accommodating portion 112 with the output shaft 42 facing the second housing 12 side. The electric motor 4 is connected to the opening edge of the motor accommodating portion 112 via a flange portion 43 provided at the end of the motor body 41 on the output shaft 42 side so as to extend radially outward. It is fixed with bolts 44. The electric motor 4 is controlled by a vehicle-mounted electronic controller (not shown), and rotates the valve body 3 according to the driving state of the vehicle, thereby ensuring appropriate distribution of cooling water to the radiator RD, etc. (see FIG. 1). Realized.

The speed reduction mechanism 5 is a drive mechanism that includes two sets of staggered gears, a first gear G1 and a second gear G2. The first gear G1 is provided coaxially with the output shaft 42 of the electric motor 4 and is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the first screw gear WG1 which rotates together with the output shaft 42 and the output shaft 42 of the electric motor 4. The first helical gear HG1 is rotationally supported by a first support shaft 51 and meshes with the first screw gear WG1. The second gear G2 is rotationally supported by the second support shaft 52, and is fixed to the second screw gear WG2, which rotates together with the first helical gear HG1, and the second screw gear WG2, which is fixed to the rotation shaft 2 and meshes with the second screw gear WG2. It is composed of a second helical gear HG2. Here, the first helical gear HG1 and the second helical gear HG2 are a composite gear member in which both cylindrical gears HG1 and HG2 are arranged in series and integrally constituted, and the composite gear member is It is rotatably supported by a pair of bearing parts 117, 117 of the first housing 11 via first and second support shafts 51, 52 inserted into both ends. With such a configuration, the rotational driving force output from the output shaft 42 of the electric motor 4 is transmitted to the valve body 3 through the first gear G1 and the second gear G2 after being decelerated in two stages.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the valve device CV taken along the rotation axis Z of the rotating shaft 2. As shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the valve device CV taken along the line AA in FIG. 4, in which (a) shows the valve in the open state and (b) shows the valve in the closed state. In the explanation of this figure, the direction parallel to the rotation axis Z of the rotation shaft 2 is referred to as the "axial direction," the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis Z of the rotation shaft 2 is referred to as the "radial direction," and the rotation axis Z of the rotation shaft 2 is referred to as the "radial direction." The surrounding direction will be described as a "circumferential direction." Furthermore, regarding the above-mentioned "axial direction", the upper side in FIG. 4 will be described as "one end side" and the lower side will be described as "the other end side".

As shown in FIG. 4, the first housing 11 is formed with a bottomed cylindrical valve body accommodating portion 111 whose one end in the axial direction is closed by an end wall 113 and whose other end is open to the outside. Further, in the boss portion 115 provided on the end wall 113 of the valve body accommodating portion 111, a shaft through hole 116 through which the rotating shaft 2 passes communicates between the valve body accommodating portion 111 and a reduction mechanism accommodating portion 121 to be described later. It is formed along the axial direction. Further, in the first housing 11, a bottomed cylindrical motor housing part 112 for housing the motor body 41 of the electric motor 4 therein is adjacent to the valve body housing part 111, and is oriented toward one end in the axial direction. An opening is formed (see Fig. 3).

The second housing 12 attached to one end of the first housing 11 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape with one axial end closed by a bottom wall 122 and the other end facing the end wall 113 open. There is. That is, by covering one end of the first housing 11 in the axial direction with the second housing 12, the deceleration mechanism housing part 121 is formed in the internal space of the second housing 12, and this deceleration mechanism housing part 121 A deceleration mechanism 5 is housed in.

Further, the first housing 11 is attached to the side of the cylinder head (not shown) via a flange portion 114 provided on the outer peripheral edge of the other axial end of the valve body accommodating portion 111. For example, it is fixed with a plurality of bolts. Furthermore, an inlet E0 corresponding to the first communication passage of the present invention is formed on the inner circumferential side of the flange portion 114 and communicates with the inside of the cylinder block (not shown) to introduce cooling water from the cylinder block side. ing. That is, in a state where the valve device CV is attached to a cylinder block (not shown), this introduction port E0 communicates with the opening on the cylinder block side, and the valve body accommodating portion 111 is connected from the cylinder block side via the introduction port E0. Cooling water is being introduced to the

Further, in the peripheral wall of the valve body accommodating portion 111, a plurality of through holes having a substantially circular cross section that communicate the outside and the valve body accommodating portion 111 are formed as first to third discharge ports E1 to E3, Corresponding first to third pipes L1 to L3 are connected to each of these discharge ports E1 to E3. The first discharge port E1 is connected to, for example, the heater HT via the first pipe L1. The second discharge port E2 is connected to, for example, the oil cooler OC via the second pipe L2. The third exhaust port E3 is connected to, for example, the radiator RD via the third pipe L3.

Here, the first to third discharge ports E1 to E3 are located at different axial positions on the peripheral wall of the first housing 11, and the first to third seal members S1 to S3, which will be described later, are located on the valve body 3. The first to third openings M1 to M3, which are respectively arranged at adjacent axial positions, are arranged at intervals in the axial direction such that they can overlap with each other. Further, the first to third discharge ports E1 to E3 are respectively arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction on the peripheral wall of the first housing 11, specifically, at positions shifted in phase by approximately 90 degrees (Fig. 4 reference).

Furthermore, a sealing mechanism is provided on the inner peripheral side of the first to third discharge ports E1 to E3 to liquid-tightly seal between each of the discharge ports E1 to E3 and the valve body 3. This sealing mechanism includes cylindrical first to third sealing members S1 to S3 made of a synthetic resin material, and a first metal part that urges these first to third sealing members S1 to S3 toward the valve body 3. - Consisting of third springs SP1 to SP3. Moreover, first to third seal rings SR1 to SR3 that can slide into contact with the first to third discharge ports E1 to E3 are attached to the outer peripheral sides of the first to third seal members S1 to S3.

The first to third sealing members S1 to S3 are formed of a predetermined fluororesin (in this embodiment, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)), and are accommodated on the inner peripheral side of the first to third discharge ports E1 to E3. and are provided so as to be movable forward and backward toward the valve body 3 side. The first to third seal members S1 to S3 have a substantially cylindrical shape with both axial ends open, and each has a through hole having a substantially circular cross section extending along the center axis of each member. S10, S20, and S30 (S20 is omitted for convenience of illustration) are provided. In addition, the first to third seal members S1 to S3 have sliding surfaces S11, S21, and S31 that come into sliding contact with the valve body 3, as shown in FIG. It is constituted by an arcuate curved surface, and can be slid in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 3.

The first to third springs SP1 to SP3 are biasing members capable of biasing the first to third seal members S1 to S3 with a predetermined biasing force, and as an example, all of them have a generally rectangular cross section. It is a metal leaf spring made of winding wire. Note that the first to third springs SP1 to SP3 are not limited to the above-mentioned metal plate springs, but can be used as biasing members capable of biasing the first to third seal members S1 to S3 with a predetermined biasing force. As long as it functions, the material (for example, resin material) and form (for example, coil spring) can be changed arbitrarily.

One end of the first to third springs SP1 to SP3 in the expansion/contraction direction is an end surface opposite to the sliding contact surfaces S11, S21, and S31 of the first to third seal members S1 to S3, which are biased objects. A connection end is seated on the seating surfaces S12, S22, and S32, and the other end is inserted and connected to the first to third discharge ports E1 to E3 of the first to third pipes L1 to L3 that function as supporting members. It is seated on support surfaces L12, L22, and L32, which are end surfaces on the side of portions L11, L21, and L31. That is, the first to third springs SP1 to SP3 are connected to the seating surfaces S12, S22, S32 of the first to third seal members S1 to S3 and the support surfaces L12, L22, L32 of the first to third pipes L1 to L3. The seal members S1 to S3 are placed with a predetermined preload (set load) between them, and the seal members S1 to S3 are always urged toward the valve body 3 based on the respective preload (set load).

The first to third seal rings SR1 to SR3 are so-called X rings having an X-shaped cross section. - Fitted into the third seal grooves S13, S23, and S33. That is, the first to third seal rings SR1 to SR3 elastically abut against the first to third seal grooves S13, S23, S33 and the inner peripheral surfaces of the first to third discharge ports E1 to E3, The spaces between the first to third seal members S1 to S3 and the first to third discharge ports E1 to E3 are liquid-tightly sealed.

The rotating shaft 2 has a rod shape with a generally constant outer diameter, passes through the shaft through hole 116 , is disposed astride the valve body housing part 111 and the reduction mechanism housing part 121 , and is located on the inner periphery of the boss part 115 . It is rotatably supported by a bearing B1 arranged on the side. Further, the space between the rotating shaft 2 and the shaft through hole 116 is liquid-tightly sealed by an annular sealing member 20 . That is, this seal member 20 suppresses the cooling water flowing through the shaft through hole 116 in the valve body housing part 111 from flowing out to the speed reduction mechanism housing part 121 side. Further, a dust seal 22 is arranged between the seal member 21 and the bearing B1. That is, the dust seal 22 prevents dust in the reduction mechanism housing portion 121 from entering the valve body housing portion 111 side. This prevents dust from getting caught between the shaft through hole 116 and the seal member 21, thereby protecting the seal member 21.

The valve body 3 is formed of a predetermined hard resin material, has a bottomed cylindrical shape with a constant outer diameter, and is provided so that the introduction part M0, which is the opening on the other end side, faces the introduction port E0 side. Cooling water can be introduced into the internal passage 118 formed on the inner peripheral side. One end of the valve body 3 in the axial direction is press-fitted and fixed to the rotating shaft 2 via a metal insert member 30 buried in the inner circumferential side of the one end, while the valve body 3 is fixed to the rotating shaft 2 through a metal insert member 30 buried in the inner peripheral side of the one end. The other end facing the inlet E0 is rotatably supported by a bearing B2 held on the inner peripheral side of the inlet E0.

Further, on the peripheral wall of the valve body 3, the first to third discharge ports E1 to E3 are arranged at predetermined rotational positions (phases) at axial positions corresponding to the first to third discharge ports E1 to E3 of the first housing 11. First to third openings M1 to M3, which can communicate with E3, are formed through each other along the radial direction. Note that the first to third openings M1 to M3 are set to have a shape and number depending on the control content of the valve body 3, such as a perfect circle or an ellipse extending in the circumferential direction, for example.

The valve device CV configured as described above is configured such that the valve body 3 is controlled to a position in the circumferential direction where at least a portion of the first opening M1 and the first discharge port E1 overlap, so that the first discharge port E1 is to distribute cooling water to the heater HT. Similarly, the valve device CV controls the oil cooler OC through the second discharge port E2 by controlling the valve body 3 to a position in the circumferential direction where at least a portion of the second opening M2 and the second discharge port E2 overlap. Distribute cooling water to. Similarly, in the valve device CV, the third outlet E3 (the third piping L3) to distribute the cooling water to the radiator RD. When distributing this cooling water, the overlapping degree (overlapping area) of the first to third openings M1 to M3 and the first to third discharge ports E1 to E3 changes, so that the cooling water at the time of distribution is changed. The flow rate changes.

[First embodiment]
(Seal mechanism configuration)
FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 5, in which the vicinity of the first seal member S1 shown in FIG. 5 is enlarged. Moreover, FIG. 7 shows the first seal member S1 shown in FIG. 6 as a single unit, and (a) is a plan view, and (b) is a cut along the line BB shown in FIG. A cross-sectional view is shown. Note that since the first to third seal members S1 to S3 all have the same shape but different sizes, in this embodiment, for convenience, the first seal member S1 to S3 is Only S1 will be explained, and a detailed explanation of the second and third seal members S2 and S3 will be omitted. In addition, in the explanation of each figure, the direction parallel to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "axial direction", the direction perpendicular to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "radial direction", and the direction parallel to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "radial direction". The direction around the central axis P of the member S1 will be described as a "circumferential direction."

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first seal member S1 is made of a fluororesin, for example, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), and is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape with openings at both ends in the axial direction. , a through hole S10 having a substantially circular cross section is formed therethrough along the central axis P. That is, this through hole S10 overlaps with the first opening M1 of the valve body 3, so that the cooling water flowing through the internal passage 18 of the valve body 3 is connected to the first opening M1 of the valve body 3 and the first seal member. It is discharged from the first pipe L1 through the through hole S10 of S1.

Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the first seal member S1 at an intermediate position in the axial direction, an annular first seal groove S13 having a concave cross section and opening radially outward of the first seal member S1 is continuous along the circumferential direction. The first seal ring SR1 can be fitted into the first seal groove S13 from the outer peripheral side. That is, by inserting the first seal member S1 into the first discharge port E1 with the first seal ring SR1 fitted into the first seal groove S13, the first seal ring SR1 is inserted into the first seal groove S13. The first seal ring SR1 elastically contacts the inner surface and the inner circumferential surface of the first discharge port E1, and the first seal ring SR1 provides a fluid-tight seal between the first seal member S1 and the first discharge port E1.

Furthermore, a curved sliding surface S11 curved along the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 3 is formed on the end face of the first seal member S1 in the axial direction that faces the valve body 3. There is. This sliding surface S11 has a cross section cut along the axial direction of the valve body 3 as shown in FIG. 6, which is a linear cross section along the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 3 in the axial direction. A cross section cut along the radial direction of the valve body 3 is formed in a curved shape, which is an arcuate cross section along the circumferential outer peripheral surface of the valve body.

On the other hand, a flat seating surface S12 on which one axial end of the first spring SP1 can be seated is formed on the end surface of the axial end surface of the first seal member S1 that faces the first pipe L1. There is. Similarly, the end surface of the connecting end L11 of the first piping L1 facing the first spring SP1 has a flat shape on which the other end in the axial direction of the first spring SP1 can be seated, and the first sealing member S1 is seated on the end surface of the connecting end L11. A support surface L12 parallel to the surface S12 is formed. With this configuration, the biasing force of the first spring SP1 acts along the axial direction of the first seal member S1 perpendicular to the seating surface S12 and the support surface L12, and the first seal member S1 is moved in the radial direction of the valve body 3. It is possible to energize along the

Furthermore, in the sliding contact surface S11 of the first seal member S1, a recess S14 having a concave cross-section recessed toward the side away from the valve body 3 (towards the first spring SP1) is provided at an intermediate position in the radial direction, surrounding the through hole S10. As such, it is formed in a continuous annular shape along the circumferential direction of the sliding surface S11. In addition, in this embodiment, this recessed part S14 is provided in the radial center position of the sliding contact surface S11. In other words, in the radial direction of the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1, the seal width WA of the outer peripheral side seal portion S15 formed between the outer peripheral edge of the sliding surface S11 and the outer peripheral edge of the recess S14. The seal width WB of the inner seal portion S16 formed between the inner circumferential edge of the sliding surface S11 and the inner circumferential edge of the recess S14 is approximately equal.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the recess S14 of the first seal member S1 has been described by way of example in which the cross section is approximately rectangular. It can be arbitrarily changed depending on (for example, the surface pressure of the sliding surface S11, the productivity of the first seal member S1, etc.), and is not limited to a specific cross section.

(Operations and effects of this embodiment)
In a conventional valve device, for example, when the biasing force of the first spring SP1 is increased in order to improve the sealing performance of the first seal member S1, the frictional resistance (friction) of the valve body 3 with which the first seal member S1 slides is increased. This may lead to an increase in the drive torque of the electric motor 4 and the associated wear of the first and second gears G1 and G2 of the speed reduction mechanism 5.

In particular, when using the metal first spring SP1 to improve the sealing performance of the first seal member S1 as in the present embodiment, the sliding contact surface S11 of the first seal member S1 and the outer periphery of the valve body 3 There was a risk that the frictional resistance (friction) between the surface and the surface would become excessive.

In addition, as in the present embodiment, when the first pipe L1 functioning as a support member is made of a material such as a resin material that has relatively low rigidity with respect to a metal material, the first metal spring SP1 Based on the spring force, there was a risk that the first pipe L1 would be deformed.

Further, in the valve device, foreign matter (contamination), so-called contamination, may become trapped between the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 and the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 3. In this case, as the valve body 3 rotates, the contaminant is dragged by the valve body 3 and moves across the first seal member S1 in the radial direction, resulting in scratches on the sliding surface S11 along the rotation direction of the valve body 3. is formed. That is, there was a risk that the inner and outer peripheries of the sliding surface S11 would communicate with each other due to this flaw, and the sealing performance of the first seal member S1 would deteriorate. Examples of the above-mentioned contamination include, for example, sand in a sand core used when casting an engine cylinder block (not shown), chips generated during processing of the cylinder block, and the cylinder block generated when the engine is driven. etc., resin materials, leak prevention agents contained in cooling water, etc.

In contrast, the valve device CV according to the present embodiment can solve the problems of the conventional valve device by achieving the following effects.

That is, the valve device CV includes a first communicating passage (in this embodiment, the inlet E0) that opens into the valve body accommodating part 111, and a first communication passage that opens into the valve body accommodating part 111 at a position different from the inlet E0. The housing 1 is rotatably accommodated in the valve body accommodating portion 111, and has a dual passageway (in this embodiment, for example, the first outlet E1), and the inlet E0 and the first outlet E1 according to the rotational phase. The valve body 3 changes the state of connection with the first discharge port E1, the biasing member (in this embodiment, for example, the first spring SP1) is arranged inside the first discharge port E1, and the first discharge port E1 is connected to the outside of the housing 1. A support member (in this embodiment, for example, the first pipe L1) that supports the spring SP1, and a seal member biased toward the valve body 3 by the first spring SP1 inside the first discharge port E1, A sliding surface (in this embodiment, for example, sliding surface S11) that slides into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 3, a through hole that opens in sliding surface S11 (in this embodiment, for example, through hole S10), and a valve body A sealing member (in the present embodiment) having a recess (in the present embodiment, for example, the recess S14) provided on the sliding surface S11 so as to sandwich the through hole S10 in the rotational direction of No. 3 and recessed toward the first spring SP1 side. , for example, a first seal member S1).

In this way, in the valve device CV according to the present embodiment, the recess S14 is provided in the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1. As a result, the contact area of the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 with respect to the valve body 3 is reduced by the amount of the recess S14, and the biasing load of the first seal member S1 with respect to the valve body 3, that is, the first It becomes possible to reduce the spring force of spring SP1. As a result, while maintaining the prescribed surface pressure (sealing performance) of the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 against the valve body 3, the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 and the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 3 are It becomes possible to reduce the frictional resistance (friction) between can.

Furthermore, as the contact area of the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 with respect to the valve body 3 is reduced, the spring force of the first spring SP1 can be reduced, thereby suppressing deformation of the first pipe L1. .

Furthermore, since the recess S14 is provided in the sliding surface S11 of the first sealing member S1, when contaminants get caught between the sliding surface S11 of the first sealing member S1 and the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 3. In addition, it becomes possible to accommodate this trapped contaminant in the recess S14. As a result, the contamination that has become trapped between the sliding contact surface S11 of the first sealing member S1 and the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 3 is dragged along with the rotation of the valve body 3 and is removed from the sliding contact surface of the first sealing member S1. There is no possibility that S11 will be moved across in the radial direction. As a result, it is possible to suppress damage to the sliding surface S11 due to the lateral movement of such contaminants, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sealing performance of the first seal member S1.

Further, in the valve device CV according to the present embodiment, the recess S14 is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the through hole S10.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the recess S14 is formed in an annular shape covering the entire circumference of the sliding surface S11, thereby maximizing the contact area of the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 with respect to the valve body 3. can be reduced to As a result, deformation of the first pipe L1 can be effectively suppressed while reducing friction between the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 and the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 3 to the maximum. I can do it.

In the valve device CV according to the present embodiment, the first seal member S1 includes an annular first seal groove S13 that opens on the outer circumferential surface of the first seal member S1, and a second communication passage ( In this embodiment, a ring member (in this embodiment, for example, a first seal ring SR1) is provided between, for example, the first discharge port E1.

Thus, in this embodiment, the first seal ring SR1 is provided between the annular first seal groove S13 and the first discharge port E1. As a result, a relatively hard resin material is used for the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1, which comes into sliding contact with the rotating valve body 3 over a wide range at a relatively high frequency, and the contact surface S11 is made of a relatively hard resin material, and the contact surface S11 is made of a relatively hard resin material. A soft resin material having relatively high elasticity can be used for the outer circumferential side of the first seal member S1, which slides into contact in a very narrow range with a relatively low frequency. As a result, appropriate sealing performance can be ensured between the first seal member S1 and the valve body 3, and between the first seal member S1 and the first discharge port E1.

Further, in the valve device CV according to the present embodiment, the ring member (in the present embodiment, for example, the first seal ring SR1) is an X-ring.

In this way, in this embodiment, since the first seal ring SR1 is constituted by an X-ring, the frictional resistance (friction) between the first seal ring SR1 and the first discharge port E1 can be further reduced. becomes possible. Thereby, the spring force of the first spring SP1 that biases the first seal member S1 can be further reduced, and the frictional resistance (friction) between the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 and the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 3 can be reduced. can be reduced more effectively. As a result, it is possible to more effectively suppress an increase in the drive torque of the electric motor 4 and the associated wear of the first and second gears G1 and G2 of the speed reduction mechanism 5. Further, by further reducing the spring force of the first spring SP1, deformation of the first pipe L1 can be more effectively suppressed.

Furthermore, in the valve device CV according to the present embodiment, the first pipe L1, which is a support member, is formed of a resin material.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the first pipe L1 is formed of a resin material with relatively low rigidity, the first pipe L1 is Deformation of L1 can be suppressed more effectively.

(First modification)
FIG. 8 shows a first modification of the first embodiment of the valve device according to the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cut along the line CC shown in (a). A cross-sectional view is shown. Note that the valve device CV' according to the first modification is a so-called 3-inch valve device that controls the discharge of cooling water flowing in from the inlet E0 from the first to third discharge ports E1 to E3, as shown in FIG. -Applicable to 1out type cooling circuit. Further, since the first to third sealing members S1 to S3 all have the same shape but different sizes, in this modification as well, as in the first embodiment, for convenience, FIG. Based on this, only the first seal member S1 will be explained, and a detailed explanation of the second and third seal members S2 and S3 will be omitted. In addition, in the explanation of each figure, the direction parallel to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "axial direction", the direction perpendicular to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "radial direction", and the direction parallel to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "radial direction". The direction around the central axis P of the member S1 will be described as a "circumferential direction."

As shown in FIG. 8, in the valve device CV' according to the present modification, the recess S14 of the first seal member S1 is located on the inner peripheral side in the radial direction of the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1, that is, the through hole S10. It is placed offset to the side. In other words, in the radial direction of the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1, the seal width WA of the outer peripheral side seal portion S15 formed between the outer peripheral edge of the sliding surface S11 and the outer peripheral edge of the recess S14 is The seal width WB is larger than the seal width WB of the inner seal portion S16 formed between the inner circumferential edge of the sliding surface S11 and the inner circumferential edge of the recess S14.

As described above, in the valve device CV' according to the present modification, the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 has a cross section passing through the center P of the through hole S10 (FIG. 8(b)) in the rotational direction of the valve body 3. ), the outer seal part S15 is formed between the outer periphery of the sliding surface S11 and the recess S14, and the inner seal part S15 is formed between the inner periphery of the sliding surface S11 and the recess S14. The seal width WA of the outer seal part S15 is different from the seal width WB of the inner seal part S16.

In this way, by making the seal width WA of the outer seal portion S15 different from the seal width WB of the inner seal portion S16, optimal sealing performance can be achieved depending on the direction of action of water pressure on the first seal member S1. can be secured.

In particular, in the valve device CV′ according to this modification, the sliding surface S11 has a sliding surface when viewed in a cross section passing through the center P of the through hole S10 (see FIG. 8(b)) in the rotational direction of the valve body 3. It has an outer seal part S15 formed between the outer peripheral edge of the contact surface S11 and the recess S14, and an inner seal part S16 formed between the inner peripheral edge of the sliding contact surface S11 and the recess S14. However, the seal width WA of the outer seal portion S15 is larger than the seal width WB of the inner seal portion S16.

Thus, in this modification, the seal width WA of the outer seal portion S15 is set larger than the seal width WB of the inner seal portion S16. Such a configuration is effective in a so-called 1-in-3-out format in which the cooling water that has flowed in from the inlet E0 is discharged from the first outlet E1, as in this modification. In other words, in this 1-in-3-out type, the seal width WA of the outer seal portion S15 is set relatively large, so that when the valve is closed (the inlet port E0 and the first outlet E1 In the state in which the first seal member S1 is in a non-communicating state), it becomes possible to effectively counter the water pressure acting from the outer peripheral side of the first seal member S1, and good sealing performance can be ensured.

(Second modification)
FIG. 9 shows a second modification of the first embodiment of the valve device according to the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cut along the line DD shown in FIG. 9(a). A cross-sectional view is shown. Note that the valve device CV'' according to the second modification is a so-called 3-inch valve device that controls the discharge from the inlet E0 of the cooling water that has flowed in from the first to third outlet ports E1 to E3, as shown in FIG. -1 out type cooling circuit.Furthermore, since the first to third seal members S1 to S3 all have the same shape but different sizes, they are similar to the first embodiment. Also in this modification, for convenience, only the first sealing member S1 will be described based on FIG. 9, and a detailed description of the second and third sealing members S2 and S3 will be omitted. Here, the direction parallel to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "axial direction", the direction orthogonal to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "radial direction", and the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "radial direction". The surrounding direction will be described as a "circumferential direction."

As shown in FIG. 9, in the valve device CV'' according to the present modification, the recess S14 of the first seal member S1 is located on the outer peripheral side in the radial direction of the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1, that is, the sliding surface In other words, in the radial direction of the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1, there is a gap between the inner peripheral edge of the sliding surface S11 and the inner peripheral edge of the recess S14. The seal width WB of the formed inner seal portion S16 is made larger than the seal width WA of the outer seal portion S15 formed between the outer circumferential edge of the sliding surface S11 and the outer circumferential edge of the recess S14. It is configured.

As described above, in the valve device CV'' according to the present modification, the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 has a cross section passing through the center P of the through hole S10 (FIG. 9(b)) in the rotational direction of the valve body 3. )), the outer seal portion S15 is formed between the outer periphery of the sliding surface S11 and the recess S14, and the inner seal portion S15 is formed between the inner periphery of the sliding surface S11 and the recess S14. A seal width WB of the inner seal part S16 is larger than a seal width WA of the outer seal part S15.

Thus, in this modification, the seal width WB of the inner seal portion S16 is set larger than the seal width WA of the outer seal portion S15. Such a configuration is effective in a so-called 3-in-1-out type system in which the cooling water flowing in from the first discharge port E1 is discharged from the introduction port E0, as in this modification. That is, in this 3-in-1-out type, the seal width WB of the inner seal portion S16 is set relatively large, so that when the valve is closed (the inlet port E0 and the first outlet E1 In the state in which the first seal member S1 is not in communication with the first seal member S1, the water pressure acting from the inner peripheral side of the first seal member S1 can be effectively resisted, and good sealing performance can be ensured.

[Second embodiment]
FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of the valve device according to the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view and (b) is a sectional view taken along the line EE shown in FIG. 10 (a). There is. Here, in this embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, the first to third seal members S1 to S3 all have the same shape but different sizes. 10, only the first sealing member S1 will be described, and a detailed description of the second and third sealing members S2 and S3 will be omitted. In addition, in the explanation of each figure, the direction parallel to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "axial direction", the direction perpendicular to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "radial direction", and the direction parallel to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "radial direction". The direction around the central axis P of the member S1 will be described as a "circumferential direction."

As shown in FIG. 10, in the valve device CV2 according to the present embodiment, in the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1, the recessed portion S14 according to the first embodiment is doubly formed on the inner circumferential side and the outer circumferential side. It is provided. Specifically, the sliding contact surface S11 of the first seal member S1 is provided with an annular outer peripheral recess S14a that is biased toward the outer peripheral edge of the sliding contact surface S11, and the annular outer peripheral recess S14a is provided on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral recess S14a. An annular inner circumferential recess 14b is provided biased toward the inner circumferential edge side (through hole S10 side) of the sliding surface S11. Further, the outer peripheral recess 14a and the inner peripheral recess 14b are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the radial direction of the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1. In other words, the sliding surface S11 of the first sealing member S1 has a groove formed between the outer peripheral edge of the sliding surface S11 and the outer peripheral edge of the outer peripheral recess S14a in the radial direction of the sliding surface S11. The seal width W1 of the first seal portion S11a, the seal width W2 of the second seal portion S11b formed between the inner peripheral edge of the outer peripheral recess S14a and the outer peripheral edge of the inner peripheral recess S14b, and the seal width W2 of the inner peripheral recess S14b. The seal width W3 of the third seal portion S11c formed between the inner circumferential edge and the inner circumferential edge of the sliding surface S11 is configured to be approximately equal.

As described above, in the valve device CV2 according to the present embodiment, the annularly formed outer peripheral recess S14a and inner peripheral recess S14b are arranged in parallel in the radial direction of the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1. are provided twice. Thereby, the contact area of the sliding surface S11 with the valve body 3 is further reduced, and the spring force of the first spring SP1 can be further reduced. As a result, the frictional resistance (friction) between the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 and the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 3 is further reduced, and the driving torque of the electric motor 4 is increased and the deceleration mechanism 5 Wear of the first and second gears G1 and G2 can be further effectively suppressed.

Moreover, the contact area of the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 with respect to the valve body 3 can be further reduced by the outer circumferential side recess S14a and the inner circumferential side recess S14b. Thereby, the spring force of the first spring SP1 is further reduced, and deformation of the first pipe L1 can be suppressed more effectively.

Further, the outer circumferential recess S14a and the inner circumferential recess S14b remove contaminants caught between the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 and the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 3. It becomes possible to accommodate it in S14b. This more effectively suppresses damage to the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 caused by the contamination being dragged along with the rotation of the valve body 3 and moving across the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 in the radial direction. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the deterioration of the sealing performance of the first seal member S1.

[Third embodiment]
FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of the valve device according to the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF shown in (a). There is. Here, in this embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, the first to third seal members S1 to S3 all have the same shape but different sizes. 11, only the first sealing member S1 will be described, and a detailed description of the second and third sealing members S2 and S3 will be omitted. In addition, in the explanation of each figure, the direction parallel to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "axial direction", the direction perpendicular to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "radial direction", and the direction parallel to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "radial direction". The direction around the central axis P of the member S1 will be described as a "circumferential direction."

As shown in FIG. 11, in the valve device CV3 according to the present embodiment, the annularly formed recess S14 according to the first embodiment is replaced with a first recess S17a that is a pair of recesses that are discontinuous in the circumferential direction. and a second recess S17b, and the first and second recesses S17a and S17b are provided facing each other with the through hole S10 in between in the rotational direction of the valve body 3. In other words, the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 has a pair of flat portions S18 at both end portions in a direction perpendicular to the rotational direction of the valve body 3, in which the first and second recesses S17a and S17b are not formed. , S18 are formed.

More specifically, the first recess S17a and the second recess S17b are in the range between two-dot chain lines Y and Y in FIG. It is set in. In other words, the first recess S17a and the second recess S17b correspond to the chord length X of the first and second recesses S17a and S17b formed in an approximately arc shape, that is, the circumferential direction of the first and second recesses S17a and S17b. It is provided in a circumferential range where the straight line distance between both ends and the diameter D of the through hole S10 generally match.

In addition, in the rotational direction of the valve body 3 as shown in FIG. The seal width WA of the formed outer seal portions S15a and S15b and the inner seal portion S16b formed between the inner circumferential edge of the sliding surface S11 and the inner circumferential edges of the first and second recesses S17a and S17b. , S16b are configured to be approximately equal to the seal width WB.

As described above, in the valve device CV3 according to the present embodiment, the recesses (in the present embodiment, for example, the first recess S17a and the second recess S17b) of the first seal member S1 are the through holes (in the present embodiment, for example, A pair are provided so as to sandwich the through hole S10), and each is formed in an arc shape.

Thus, in this embodiment, a pair of first recess S17a and second recess S17b are provided on sliding surface S11 of first seal member S1 so as to sandwich through hole S10. Also with this configuration, the contact area of the sliding surface S11 with the valve body 3 can be reduced by the amount of the first and second recesses S17a and S17b, and the spring force of the first spring SP1 can be reduced. As a result, the frictional resistance (friction) between the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 and the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 3 is reduced, and the driving torque of the electric motor 4 is increased and the speed reduction mechanism 5 is thereby reduced. Wear of the first and second gears G1 and G2 can be suppressed.

In addition, the contact area of the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 with respect to the valve body 3 is reduced by the amount of the first and second recesses S17a and S17b, and the spring force of the first spring SP1 is reduced. It is also possible to suppress deformation of one pipe L1.

Furthermore, by providing the first and second recesses S17a and S17b, the sliding contact surface S11 of the first seal member S1 and the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 3 are connected to the first and second recesses S17a and S17b. It becomes possible to accommodate contaminants that are caught in between and dragged along with the rotation of the valve body 3. Thereby, there is no risk of the contaminants dragged along with the rotation of the valve body 3 being moved across the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 in the radial direction, and damage to the sliding surface S11 caused by such crossing movement is prevented. It is possible to suppress the accompanying deterioration in the sealing performance of the first seal member S1.

On the other hand, the first and second recesses S17a and S17b are not provided in a range exceeding the diameter of the through hole S10 at the upper end and lower end in FIG. 11(a). In other words, in the range exceeding the diameter of the through hole S10, the contaminants trapped between the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 and the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 3 are dragged by the valve body 3 and moved. Even if damage occurs to the sliding contact surface S11, there is no risk that the inside and outside of the through hole S10 of the first seal member S1 will be communicated due to movement of this contaminant. Therefore, even with the discontinuous pair of first and second recesses S17a and S17b as in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the sealing performance of the first seal member S1 due to damage to the sliding surface S11. can.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the first and second recesses S17a and S17b are configured to be discontinuous in the circumferential direction, contaminants accommodated in one of the first and second recesses S17a and S17b can be removed. There is no risk that the damage to the sliding surface S11 will be expanded as the sliding surface S11 moves to the other recess and communicates the inside and outside of the through hole S10. In other words, in the first and second recesses S17a and S17b, the contaminants contained therein will move to both circumferential ends of the first and second recesses S17a and S17b, so that the contaminants will be removed. Even if the valve body 3 moves along the rotational direction, there is no risk that damage to the sliding surface S11 caused by the contamination will cause communication between the inside and outside of the through hole S10.

(Modified example)
FIG. 12 shows a modification of the third embodiment of the valve device according to the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view and (b) is a sectional view taken along the line GG shown in FIG. 12 (a). It shows. Note that since the first to third sealing members S1 to S3 all have the same shape but different sizes, in this modification as in the third embodiment, for convenience, FIG. Based on this, only the first seal member S1 will be explained, and a detailed explanation of the second and third seal members S2 and S3 will be omitted. In addition, in the explanation of each figure, the direction parallel to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "axial direction", the direction perpendicular to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "radial direction", and the direction parallel to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "radial direction". The direction around the central axis P of the member S1 will be described as a "circumferential direction."

As shown in FIG. 12, in the valve device CV3' according to the present modification, the first and second recesses S17a and S17b according to the third embodiment each extend to both sides in the circumferential direction. More specifically, the first recess S17a and the second recess S17b according to the present modification have a chord length X of the first recess S17a and the second recess S17b formed in an arc shape, that is, the first and second recess S17a. , S17b are provided in a circumferential range in which the straight distance between both circumferential end portions is larger than the diameter D of the through hole S10.

As described above, in the valve device CV3' according to the present modification, the first and second recesses S17a and S17b formed in an arc shape in the seal member (in the present embodiment, for example, the first seal member S1) The length X is larger than the diameter D of the through hole (in this embodiment, for example, the through hole S10).

As described above, in this modification, the chord length X of the first and second recesses S17a and S17b is set larger than the diameter D of the through hole S10. When the contaminated contaminants move to both ends in the circumferential direction, damage caused by the contaminants being dragged by the valve body 3 and causing communication between the first and second recesses S17a, S17b and the through hole S10 is more reliably suppressed. be able to.

Further, according to this modification, the contact area of the sliding surface S11 with respect to the valve body 3 is equal to the circumferential region Q (see FIG. 12(a)) obtained by extending the circumferential length of the first and second recesses S17a and S17b. This makes it possible to reduce the spring force of the first spring SP1 more effectively than in the valve device CV3 according to the third embodiment. As a result, the frictional resistance (friction) between the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 and the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 3 is reduced, and the driving torque of the electric motor 4 is increased and the deceleration mechanism 5 is thereby reduced. Wear of the first and second gears G1 and G2 can be suppressed. Furthermore, by reducing the spring force of the first spring SP1, deformation of the first pipe L1 can also be suppressed.

[Fourth embodiment]
FIG. 13 shows a fourth embodiment of the valve device according to the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line HH shown in FIG. 13 (a). There is. Here, in this embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, the first to third seal members S1 to S3 all have the same shape but different sizes. 13, only the first sealing member S1 will be described, and a detailed description of the second and third sealing members S2 and S3 will be omitted. In addition, in the explanation of each figure, the direction parallel to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "axial direction", the direction perpendicular to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "radial direction", and the direction parallel to the central axis P of the first seal member S1 is referred to as the "radial direction". The direction around the central axis P of the member S1 will be described as a "circumferential direction."

As shown in FIG. 13, in the valve device CV4 according to the present embodiment, the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 is formed in a so-called dimple shape, which is generally circular in plan view and has a generally circular concave longitudinal section. A plurality of recesses S19 are provided spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the sliding surface S11. More specifically, the recesses S19 have approximately the same outer diameter and depth, are formed at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the sliding surface S11, and are formed at approximately equal intervals in the radial direction of the sliding surface S11. It is constituted by outer circumferential side recesses S19a and inner circumferential side recesses S19b formed in two rows on the side and inner circumferential sides. It should be noted that each of the outer peripheral recess S19a and the inner peripheral recess S19b can accommodate a certain amount of contaminants mixed into the cooling water, such as abrasion powder of a cylinder block (not shown) that is generated when the engine is driven. The outer diameter and depth are set as follows. In other words, the outer diameter, depth, and quantity of each recess S19 can be arbitrarily set depending on the size of the contaminant to be accommodated.

Further, the outer peripheral recess S19a and the inner peripheral recess S19b are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the radial direction of the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1. In other words, the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 has a first seal portion formed between the outer peripheral edge of the sliding surface S11 and the outer peripheral recess S19a in the radial direction of the sliding surface S11. The seal width W1 of S11a, the seal width W2 of the second seal portion S11b formed between the outer circumferential recess S19a and the inner circumferential recess S19b, and the inner circumferential edge of the inner circumferential recess S19b and the sliding surface S11. The seal width W3 of the third seal portion S11c formed therebetween is configured to be approximately equal.

Further, as in the third embodiment, each of the recesses S19 is provided only in a circumferential range (range between Y and Y shown in FIG. 19(a)) that overlaps with the through hole S10 in the rotational direction of the valve body 3. It is provided. In other words, the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 has a pair in which the recesses S19 are not formed at both ends in the direction perpendicular to the rotational direction of the valve body 3 (vertical direction in FIG. 19(a)). flat portions S18, S18 are formed.

As described above, the valve device CV4 according to the present embodiment controls the flow of fluid flowing through the cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine, and a plurality of recesses S19 are provided spaced apart from each other. It is formed larger than the contamination mixed into the fluid, and is formed to be able to accommodate the contamination.

As described above, in this embodiment, the recess according to the present invention is constituted by a plurality of so-called dimple-shaped recesses S19. With this configuration as well, the contact area of the sliding surface S11 with respect to the valve body 3 is reduced by the amount of each recess S19, and the spring force of the first spring SP1 can be reduced. As a result, the frictional resistance (friction) between the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 and the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 3 is reduced, and as a result, the driving torque of the electric motor 4 is increased and the deceleration associated with this is reduced. Wear of the first and second gears G1 and G2 of the mechanism 5 can be suppressed. Furthermore, by reducing the spring force of the first spring SP1, deformation of the first pipe L1 can also be suppressed.

In addition, in this embodiment, since the recesses S19 are formed in two rows in the radial direction of the sliding surface S11, such as the outer circumferential recess S19a and the inner circumferential recess S19b, the first seal member S1 Contamination trapped between the sliding surface S11 of the valve body 3 and the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 3 can be effectively accommodated, and the sliding surface S11 is damaged by the contamination, resulting in a decrease in the sealing performance of the first seal member S1. can be effectively suppressed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the recess is not formed in the groove shape as exemplified in the first to third embodiments, but is formed by a plurality of so-called dimple-shaped recesses S19 spaced apart from each other. This makes it possible to suppress the decrease in rigidity of the sliding surface S11 of the first seal member S1 compared to the first to third embodiments.

The valve device CV etc. according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and can be freely modified according to the specifications of the internal combustion engine (engine) to which it is applied, as long as it can achieve the effects of the present invention. Can be changed.

In particular, in the above embodiment, as an example of the application of the valve device CV, the application to a cooling water circulation system was illustrated, but the valve device CV can be used not only for cooling water but also for various fluids such as lubricating oil. Needless to say, it is applicable.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing 1 is provided with three exhaust ports, which are the first to third exhaust ports E1 to E3, and the valve body 3 is provided with three openings, which are the first to third openings M1 to M3. Although the number of the discharge ports and the openings is 1 or more, each of the first to third discharge ports E1 to E3 and the third discharge port, each having three discharge ports and three openings, is illustrated. The embodiment is not limited to the embodiment consisting of the first to third openings M1 to M3.

As the valve device based on the embodiment described above, for example, the following aspects can be considered.

That is, in one aspect, the valve device has a first communication passage that opens to the valve body accommodating portion, and a second communication passage that opens to the valve body accommodation portion at a position different from the first communication passage. a housing having a housing, a valve body rotatably housed in the valve body accommodating portion and changing a connection state between the first communication passage and the second communication passage according to a rotational phase, and the second communication passage. a biasing member disposed inside the second communication path; and a sealing member biased toward the valve body by the biasing member inside the second communication passage, the sealing member slidingly contacting the outer circumferential surface of the valve body. a contact surface, a through hole opening in the sliding contact surface, and a recess provided in the sliding contact surface so as to sandwich the through hole in the rotating direction of the valve body and recessed toward the biasing member side. A seal member.

In a preferred embodiment of the valve device, the recess is formed in an annular shape surrounding the through hole.

In another preferred aspect, in any of the aspects of the valve device, the valve device discharges the fluid that has flowed in from the first communication path from the second communication path, or the fluid that has flowed in from the second communication path. from the first communicating path, and the sliding surface is an outer peripheral edge of the sliding surface when viewed in a cross section passing through the center of the through hole in the rotation direction of the valve body. and an outer seal portion formed between the inner circumferential edge of the sliding surface and the recess, and an inner circumferential seal portion formed between the inner circumferential edge of the sliding surface and the recess; The seal width is different from the seal width of the inner seal portion.

In yet another preferred aspect, in any of the aspects of the valve device, the valve device controls discharge of the fluid that has flowed in from the first communication path from the second communication path, and the sliding contact When viewed in a cross section passing through the center of the through hole in the rotational direction of the valve body, the surface has an outer peripheral side seal portion formed between the outer peripheral edge of the sliding contact surface and the recess, and the sliding contact surface. an inner circumferential seal portion formed between an inner circumferential edge of the surface and the recess, and a seal width of the outer circumferential seal portion is larger than a seal width of the inner circumferential seal portion.

In yet another preferred aspect, in any of the aspects of the valve device, the valve device controls discharge of the fluid that has flowed in from the second communication path from the first communication path, and the sliding contact When viewed in a cross section passing through the center of the through hole in the rotational direction of the valve body, the surface has an outer peripheral side seal portion formed between the outer peripheral edge of the sliding contact surface and the recess, and the sliding contact surface. an inner seal portion formed between an inner peripheral edge of the surface and the recess, and a seal width of the inner seal portion is larger than a seal width of the outer seal portion.

In yet another preferred aspect, in any of the aspects of the valve device, the seal member is provided between an annular seal groove that opens on the outer peripheral surface of the seal member and the seal groove and the second communication path. and a ring member.

In yet another preferred aspect, in any of the aspects of the valve device, the ring member is an X-ring.

In yet another preferred aspect, in any of the aspects of the valve device, a pair of the recesses are provided so as to sandwich the through hole, and each of the recesses is formed in an arc shape.

In yet another preferred aspect, in any of the aspects of the valve device, the chord length of the concave portion formed in an arc shape is larger than the diameter of the through hole.

In yet another preferred aspect, in any of the aspects of the valve device, the valve device controls the flow of fluid flowing through a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine, and the recesses are spaced apart from each other. A plurality of containers are provided, each of which is larger than the contamination mixed in the fluid, and is formed to be able to accommodate the contamination.

In yet another preferred aspect, any of the aspects of the valve device includes a support member that is connected to the outside of the housing and supports the biasing member, and the support member is formed of a resin material. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Housing, 10... Inlet (1st communicating path), 111... Valve body accommodating part, E1... 1st discharge port (2nd communicating path), 3... Valve body, L1... 1st piping (support member), S1...first seal member (seal member), S10...through hole, S11...sliding surface, S12...seating surface, S13...seal groove, S14...recess, S15...outer circumference side seal part, S16...inner circumference side seal part , SP1...first spring (biasing member), SR1...first seal ring (ring member), WA...seal width of the outer seal part, WB...seal width of the inner seal part, CV...valve device,

Claims (11)

a housing having a first communication passage that opens to the valve body housing portion; and a second communication passage that opens to the valve body housing portion at a position different from the first communication passage;
a valve body that is rotatably accommodated in the valve body accommodating portion and changes a connection state between the first communication passage and the second communication passage according to a rotational phase;
a biasing member disposed inside the second communication path;
a sealing member biased toward the valve body by the biasing member inside the second communication passage, the sealing member having a sliding surface that slides in sliding contact with the outer circumferential surface of the valve body, and opening to the sliding surface. a seal member having a through hole and a recess provided on the sliding surface so as to sandwich the through hole in the rotational direction of the valve body and recessed toward the biasing member;
A valve device comprising: The valve device according to claim 1,
The valve device, wherein the recess is formed in an annular shape surrounding the through hole. The valve device according to claim 2,
The valve device controls discharge of fluid flowing from the first communication passage from the second communication passage, or discharge of fluid flowing from the second communication passage from the first communication passage,
The sliding contact surface, when viewed in a cross section passing through the center of the through hole in the rotational direction of the valve body, includes an outer peripheral seal portion formed between an outer peripheral edge of the sliding contact surface and the recess; an inner seal portion formed between an inner peripheral edge of the sliding surface and the recess, and a seal width of the outer seal portion and a seal width of the inner seal portion are different. A valve device characterized by: The valve device according to claim 2,
The valve device controls discharge of the fluid that has flowed in from the first communication path from the second communication path,
The sliding contact surface, when viewed in a cross section passing through the center of the through hole in the rotational direction of the valve body, includes an outer peripheral seal portion formed between an outer peripheral edge of the sliding contact surface and the recess; an inner peripheral seal part formed between the inner peripheral edge of the sliding surface and the recess, and the seal width of the outer peripheral seal part is larger than the seal width of the inner peripheral seal part. A valve device characterized by: The valve device according to claim 2,
The valve device controls discharge of fluid flowing from the second communication path from the first communication path,
The sliding contact surface, when viewed in a cross section passing through the center of the through hole in the rotational direction of the valve body, includes an outer peripheral seal portion formed between an outer peripheral edge of the sliding contact surface and the recess; an inner peripheral seal portion formed between the inner peripheral edge of the sliding surface and the recess, and a seal width of the inner peripheral seal portion is larger than a seal width of the outer peripheral seal portion. A valve device characterized by: The valve device according to claim 4,
The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the seal member includes an annular seal groove that opens on an outer circumferential surface of the seal member, and a ring member provided between the seal groove and the second communication path. The valve device according to claim 6,
A valve device characterized in that the ring member is an X-ring. The valve device according to claim 1,
The valve device is characterized in that a pair of the recesses are provided so as to sandwich the through hole, and each of the recesses is formed in an arc shape. The valve device according to claim 8,
A valve device characterized in that a chord length of the concave portion formed in an arc shape is larger than a diameter of the through hole. The valve device according to claim 1,
The valve device controls the flow of fluid flowing through the cooling circuit of the internal combustion engine,
The valve device is characterized in that a plurality of the recesses are provided spaced apart from each other, each of which is larger than the contamination mixed in the fluid, and is formed to be able to accommodate the contamination. The valve device according to claim 1,
a support member connected to the outside of the housing and supporting the biasing member;
A valve device characterized in that the support member is formed of a resin material.

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